Two pet food products have been recalled for possible Salmonella contamination. One of the recalled products has no illnesses linked to it; the other has had two reported illnesses.
The first recall is for Smokehouse Pet Products, recalling limited lots of “Beefy Munchies.” The product is sold in 4 ounce bags with UPC number 78565857957 and lot number 449294 and with a best used by date of 10/25/19 stamped on the back. They were sold in Washington, Michigan, North Carolina and Colorado through distributors selling to various retailers. Routine sampling by the Colorado Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of the pathogenic bacteria in two packages of the product. No illnesses have been reported to date with this recall.
The second recall is for Raws for Paws Ground Turkey Pet Food. The Minnesota company is recalling about 4,00o pounds of 1 pound and 5 pound chubs. The product was distributed through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa directly to consumers and through online mail order.
The product is packaged into 1 pound and 5 pound plastic sealed tubes, known as chubs. They are packaged into regular Turkey Pet Food cases and Pet Food Combo Pack cases, which contain a variety of pet foods. The recalled products have case codes of 9900008, 9900009, 9900014, and 9900015. The manufacture date of Turkey Pet Food cases is 10/12/2017, and the manufacture dates of Combo Pack cases are between 10/12/2017 and 2/2/2018.
Two illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The recall did not specify if animals or humans were sick. UPDATE: Two children in Minnesota were sickened with Salmonella Reading infections after pets in their home were fed this product. One child developed osteomyelitis, a serious and painful bone infection, and was hospitalized. Production of the product has been suspended while an investigation is conducted.
Dogs and cats can become ill if they eat contaminated food, and they can pass the bacteria on to their owners. People can also get sick after handling contaminated pet food.
Pets with Salmonella infections can be lethargic, and have bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets can be carriers of pathogenic bacteria, but otherwise be healthy; they can infect people and other pets. In humans, symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and fever. If your pet has experienced these symptoms, see your vet. If you have experienced these symptoms, see your doctor.
